Bowling can make a difference

Gerard “Gerry” Andejeski of Roselle and his brother Greg Andejeski from Arlington Heights contribution to the United Relief Foundation's Heart and Hands bowling fundraiser, held at the AMF Bowling Center in Rolling Meadows, went beyond a donation of money; they also provided a lot of laughs.

As part of the United Relief Foundation's Project Restoring Hope efforts to provide the long term, positive life changing opportunities for veterans that comes from home ownership, proceeds from the fundraiser will be used in the renovation House 348.

House 348 is located in the Greater Grand Crossing community of Chicago and contributors to Project Restoring Hope's House 348 are given special online access to monitor the project's progress up to, and including, the day the key to the house is given to a veteran, and his or her family.

“It doesn't get much better when you have strangers coming together, giving of their time and money, filling up the allotted lanes, having a great time and leaving with a rewarding feeling that they are helping to make a difference,” commented United Relief Foundation co-founder and president Frank Salato, adding “I stand corrected. When we give the keys to House 348 to a veteran in need that will be the best day, for everyone.”

In January 2011, the National Alliance to End Homelessness reported 15% of Illinois homeless are veterans and while circumstantial factors vary, homelessness occurs when people or households are unable to acquire and/or maintain housing they can afford.

United Relief Foundation's actions to purchase and renovate distressed houses for the specific purpose of being occupied by veterans in need, tangibly deals with the scarcity of affordable housing identified in the National Alliance to End Homelessness “State of Homelessness report”.

Based in Deerfield, Ill the United Relief Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) humanitarian aid organization organized in 2006 to provide compassion, comfort and care to ease human suffering anywhere within the United States.

All contributions are appreciated and for a contribution of at least $500.00, the donor will have the option of signing a wood stud to be used in the renovation of House 348.

For information regarding the United Relief Foundation, to volunteer your time or make a donation, call (847) 580-4250 or visit www.UnitedReliefFoundation.org.